Improvement in self-closing telegraph-keys



w. HolmMMSI-:M v Self-Closing Telegraph Keysl No. 1214 27.4, V PatentedNov,4,1a73.

' '/@OZMWM 'vertical axis c.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE `WILLIAM nocnnnusnn, oE NEW vonk, n. Y.

IMPROVEMENT IN SELF-CLOSING TELGRAPH-KEVS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 144,274, dated November4, 1873; application filed October 3,1873.

To all 'whom fit may concern.'

Be it known that I, WILLIAM HooHHAUsEN,

\ of the city and State of New York, have inycircuit when the key is notin use, and for opening that circuit when the key is to be manipulated.

, illy present invention relates to a self-closing key, in which theoperator breaks the mainline circuit as he commences to manipulate hiskey, and that circuit is closed bythe key when pressure thereon isrelieved, so that a Separate switch or a switch-connection to thekey-'is rendered unnecessary. I make use of key-lever that is mountedupon horizontal and vertical axes or centers, the yhorizontal centers orfulcrums allowing of the ordinary movement in manipulating` the key, andthe vertical centers allowing the key to be turned aside sufficiently toseparate the line-connecting contact-points while the key is beingopcrated; but as soon as the key is liberated, a sprin g moves the samelateral] y and closes the ljnecircuit. In-.the drawing, Figure 1 is avertical section ot' the finger-key, yoke, and frame, the lever being inelevation; and Fig. 2 is a plan of said key complete.

The frame a and horizontal centers b are of usual character; but insteadof the centers b receiving the axis or fulcrum of the finger- `key leverc, such centers receive the yoke d,

and the lever c is connected therewith by -the The center-screw freceives one end ot this axis c, and by means thereof the parts are keptclosely in contact, and looseness is prevented. The contact-point t' onc and anvil o are of lusual character; but the latter is connected withthe bracket g, as well as with the attachingscrew h and upon thisbracket g is an adjustingscrew and contactpoint, r, contiguous to acontact-point, s, uponl the lever c. The spring l presses the lever cand point/s toward fr, so that the line-circuit will be closed throughthe points 1^ s and bracket g when the key is not in use 5 but when themanipulation of the key is commenced the operator first moves the levero laterally to separate the contact-points 1' and s, and then themovement is given to the key as usual. The spring m serves to raise thenger-key, and the screw u adjusts the amount of movement. The bracket gmay be swung around upon either side ot' the leveiI c to suit theconvenience of the operator, the spring l being placed upon the oppositeside of the lever. Usually the parts will be positioned as shown; butsome may prefer to press the key laterally toward the right toseparatethe points 1 s, instead of pressing the key toward the left.

I claim as my invention- The telegraphic key in which the lever ismounted upon two centers, to allow of a lateral as well as of a verticalmovement, in combination with the circuit-closing points r s,substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

Signed by me this 30th day of September, A. D. 1873.

NV. HOGHHAUSEN.

' T1 lVitncsses GEO. T. PINcKNEv, Units. H. SMITH.

